Madeira | Mumsnet

DoodleMum12 · 2024-01-09T10:18:37+00:00

I am looking to book a week mid to end of August. Would like somewhere where I could swim in the sea and pool but also with lots of walking/hiking paths. Any suggestions? Tips?

Forgottenmyphone · 09/01/2024 12:52

Stay quite close to Funchal, as you’ll probably want to use public transport to reach some of the best hikes/levadas and all transport stems from there. One of the better sandy beaches near Funchal is Praia da Banda d'Além at Machico. When we went, there was a lifeguard so you can swim there in confidence. Also it’s clean and not too choppy.

Original poster

DoodleMum12 · 10/01/2024 10:39

Thank you @Forgottenmyphone

OP posts:

TheTripThatWasnt · 10/01/2024 11:30

We had a great time in Madeira. We stayed in 3 separate places. A few days in Calheta, which was great for relaxing and exploring that side of the island (we drove over to Porto Moniz - the sea pools there are great). Then we stayed at Faja dos Padres - a working farm growing all sorts of amazing produce and only reachable by (its own) cable car. We loved chilling for a couple of days there (it's worth visiting for the day if you don't want to stay - the restaurant was incredible). And then we stayed in this Quinta on the outskirts of Funchal, where we explored the city and the eastern/central side of the island.

If you want to stay in one location, then as a PP has said, Funchal means you have options - you can get transport, or join a tour, or hire a car. I'm glad we were out of the city centre though, as it did feel a bit like it was catering mainly to cruises and Saga holidays (we went in September, which is probably peak time of year for a slightly older audience, which we're not!).

We did a food tour, which was great, went to the Valley of the Nuns, went over to the far eastern point where the coast is rugged, and enjoyed the levadas too. There is SO MUCH to do, and the scenery is stunning.

Quinta das Malvas

The recently opened bed and breakfast at Quinta das Malvas is one of the finest properties in Funchal, and indeed Madeira. Boasting fine views and a luxurious interior this historic house goes back to the 19th century.

https://www.quintasantaluzia.com/accommodation/quinta-das-malvas.html

Abra1t · 10/01/2024 11:35

I recommend an e-bike tour of the interior. It’s very steep in parts but exhilarating!

Sagarmatha · 29/06/2024 14:10

TheTripThatWasnt · 10/01/2024 11:30

We had a great time in Madeira. We stayed in 3 separate places. A few days in Calheta, which was great for relaxing and exploring that side of the island (we drove over to Porto Moniz - the sea pools there are great). Then we stayed at Faja dos Padres - a working farm growing all sorts of amazing produce and only reachable by (its own) cable car. We loved chilling for a couple of days there (it's worth visiting for the day if you don't want to stay - the restaurant was incredible). And then we stayed in this Quinta on the outskirts of Funchal, where we explored the city and the eastern/central side of the island.

If you want to stay in one location, then as a PP has said, Funchal means you have options - you can get transport, or join a tour, or hire a car. I'm glad we were out of the city centre though, as it did feel a bit like it was catering mainly to cruises and Saga holidays (we went in September, which is probably peak time of year for a slightly older audience, which we're not!).

We did a food tour, which was great, went to the Valley of the Nuns, went over to the far eastern point where the coast is rugged, and enjoyed the levadas too. There is SO MUCH to do, and the scenery is stunning.

I know you posted back in Jan but me and my kids want to return to maderia this Xmas and your post was really interesting to read.

Last time we stayed in a fabulous quinta in funchal and loved it. Amazing garden etc.

It's fully booked for the 2 weeks we want to go and I'm considering replicating your trip if I can!

Who did you fly with and when did you go?

Also which hire car company did you use and how was driving? Slightly nervous!

Thanks in advance.